He Could Use a Running Start

If Wixoe Express is going to win for the sixth time in 19 starts in today’s seventh race at Hollywood Park, the 5-year-old gelding is going to have to leave the starting gate considerably quicker than he did in his last start June 20.

Wixoe Express, the 2-1 favorite in the $65,000 Foster City Handicap, the closing day feature at Bay Meadows, flat refused when his gate opened for the 1 1/16-mile turf race.

Seconds after his seven opponents had gone on their way, he decided to take off, but his cause was lost. He did make a huge run to get up to fifth but fell apart and wound up last, beaten by 31 1/2 lengths.

Returning to Inglewood for trainer Neil Drysdale, the Irish-bred will be a contender if he comes ready to play in the $80,000 claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the grass.

Matt Garcia, who was Wixoe Express’ rider in the Foster City and who has been aboard for his two most recent wins, stays put. Wixoe Express does have a local victory. He defeated $50,000 claimers by 1 1/2 lengths at 18-1 on Nov. 22.

Race of the day: Dashing Princess, who has a win in two starts on the turf, will make her first start in Kentucky for trainer Marcus Barbour in today’s ninth at Ellis Park. Rafael Bejarano -- who won the riding title at Churchill Downs, which concluded Monday -- will be aboard in the $30,500 allowance at 1 1/16 miles.

One for the road: Big Tease will try for her third win in a row for trainer Gary Contessa in today’s eighth at Belmont Park. The New York-bred mare is on top of her game right now and can handle any kind of turf course. Richard Migliore will ride in the $50,000 optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the fifth keying Palace Rose on top with Lucayan Beauty and Striking Cobra in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/139. Money: Previous day/meet total: $18.80/$791. Total money bet: $966.